The spirit of entrepreneurship continues to grow at the University. On 19 November 2025, the University took part in the Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) celebration when its Technology Transfer Office (TTO), and the Economic Activation Office (EAO), in collaboration with eThekwini Municipality and the University of California Riverside (UCR), hosted a GEW celebration. The GEW is an international initiative that inspires individuals to explore their potential as innovators and business leaders. MUT’s GEW celebration aimed to promote an entrepreneurial mindset among students and staff; provide exposure to industry experts, experienced entrepreneurs, and innovation partners; strengthen MUT’s entrepreneurial ecosystem through local and international collaboration; offer a structured platform for student entrepreneurs to pitch their business ideas; and highlight opportunities within the agricultural economy through real-world agribusiness experiences.
Ntombifuthi Mthembu, Coordinator of Student Entrepreneurship at MUT, and Lecturer in the Department of Human Resources, said the Global Entrepreneurship Week aligns with MUT’s strategic vision to support innovation, economic participation, and student employability.
The event showcased agribusiness innovators, provided a pitching platform for MUT student entrepreneurs, and strengthened institutional partnerships. Some of the stakeholders at the event included the eThekwini Municipality and the University of California, Riverside (UCR).
Ten student business owners pitched their ventures to a panel of judges comprised of entrepreneurship specialists from MUT, UCR, and industry. The pitching session allowed students to demonstrate innovation, market understanding, and business feasibility.
The top three pitches received business development packages valued at R5 000 (first place), R4 000 (second place), and R3 000 (third place), respectively: Abalusi Aquaflies, Extension Elevate, and Okuhlekonke Green Harvest. Mthembu said these prizes aim to strengthen business growth, market readiness, and operational capacity.
The student entrepreneurs benefited a lot from the event. It improved their confidence, communication, and pitching competence. Mthembu said it also provided the budding businesspeople with the real-world business exposure beyond classroom learning and encouraged entrepreneurship as a viable alternative to traditional employment. “The event also reinforces MUT’s role in regional entrepreneurship and innovation and enhances institutional visibility and credibility within local and international networks, among other things,” said Mthembu, adding that such events support the University’s strategic objective of fostering industry-relevant skills.
Another major benefit for student entrepreneurs is that eThekwini Municipality’s Programme Manager for Strategic Partnerships and Business Linkages, Elizabeth Nhliziyo, will assist them in connecting with relevant colleagues within the municipality who can help them improve their businesses. The winner, Abalusi Aquaflies, will receive tutelage from UCR’s Brian Suh.